Venice once was dear, The pleasant place of all festivity, The revel of the earth, the masque of Italy. “Childe Harold’s Pilgrimage.” George Gordon Noel Byron Venice robes her for the ball; Decked with spangles bright, Multi-coloured Carnival Teems with laughter light. Harlequin with negro mask, Tights of serpent hue, Beateth with a …
Italy
Italian Food Tour…Gourmet Treasures of Emilia Romagna.
Alessandro Martini was born to inspire people about Italian food. From the moment his Italian Days tour begins www.italiandays.it he oozes enthusiasm about the region of Emilia Romagna and it’s artisan food products, waxing lyrical about parmigiano reggiano, balsamic vinegar, prosciutto and organic wine. It’s a very early start to get to the cheese factory in time to …
No “Singing in the Rain”…a wet weekend in Verona
I should have known something was wrong when the performance started five minutes early. Nothing ever starts early in Italy. And I mean ever. I know from personal experience. Two years ago I was singing in “Die Goetterdaemmerung” at the Teatro Petruzzelli and the opening night began so late that the function afterwards had to be …
A Goat in George Clooney’s Garden…a lighthearted look at Italian law
Villa Oleandra, a large mansion on the shores of Lake Como in Lombardy, currently belongs to George Clooney. I have walked past the luxury home several times this summer on one of the hiking trails between Moltrasio and the pretty village of Laglio. The Hollywood actor has bought not only the lakefront property but also …
Hot on the Trail… a hiking adventure from Brunate to Bellagio
I have often found it difficult as an opera singer to find colleagues who share my love of sport and the great outdoors. Lovers of food and wine, no problem. Lovers of music and culture, of course. Lovers of carrying back backs and sleeping in mountain huts, somewhat more difficult. So Imagine my delight when …